An offence notice was issued to the owner of the tractor who could have faced a fine of up to £1,000.

The original notice from the council said the driver was smoking in a commercial vehicle "capable of carrying more than one person".

There was an uproar from the Ulster Farmers' Union and politicians when the news first broke.

However, the council has now confirmed that no fine will be issued. A council spokeswoman said: "It is against the law to smoke in work vehicles used by more than one person, even if those persons use the vehicle at different times.

"But as this vehicle is only used by one person the smoking legislation does not apply."